While you’re acquiring your summer tan and soaking up all that vitamin D, you also want to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is one way to do that, but not the only way. Protect your skin. For best results, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher…
How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?
Much like food, water, and shelter, sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. Usually it’s not until we don’t get enough that we realize just how vital sleep is. From grogginess and irritability, to trouble focusing and feeling physically run down, the consequences of a lack of quality sleep can make even the simplest…
How to Manage a Home Remodeling Project
Home renovation and remodeling projects come in all shapes and sizes. You can remodel your kitchen, for example, with a new faucet, a throw rug in front of the sink, and maybe – for good luck – a new light fixture or recessed lighting. Then again, you can gut your kitchen and start all over…
How to Reduce Dust Inside Your Home
You pride yourself on keeping a tidy home, but try as you might, you just can’t get that pesky dust under control. It seems like a layer of dust appears on your furnishings the minute you’ve finished dusting. Not only is it unsightly, excess dust can make life for allergy and asthma sufferers downright unbearable.…
House Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore
Whether it’s a brand new contemporary style home or a turn of the century ranch, your home will inevitably make some strange noises here and there. Do you know which can be ignored and which could signal trouble? Well, just in case, are five such noises you shouldn’t ignore. Scratching and Scurrying If you have…
How to Prepare for an Emergency
Being prepared for a weather or other type of emergency often can mean the difference between swift, decisive action and utter chaos. Even knowing that, many people tend to focus on the now, and not the “what if.” Which tends to make them less prepared than those who expect the worst and hope for…
How to Stay Safe During a Thunderstorm
“When thunder rolls, go indoors!” You’ve heard that advice since you were a child. Today, it’s still good advice – but it doesn’t go far enough. Here are a few other precautionary measures well-worth heeding for your own safety: when you hear the first rumblings of thunder: Don’t take a bath, shower, or wash dishes.…
How to Control Dust at Home
The war on dust is never ending. No sooner do you finish dusting before a new layer makes itself at home again. Even the most dedicated of “clean freaks” can’t seem to keep up with the constant collection of pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and every other little particle that quietly accumulates on just about…
How to Improve Curb Appeal
Certain expressions in life can make you cringe if you hear them too often. You know, like: “Be the person you were meant to be.” “Accidents will happen.” And then there’s this little gem – “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” But what about: “You never get a second chance to…
Outdoor Projects that Can Add Value to Your Home
Outdoor home improvements not only can transform the look and feel of your property; they can add living space and recreational opportunities. Yet not all such projects generate a return on your investment. So, if you’re thinking about refreshing your home’s exterior or outdoor space while building equity, here are 7 project ideas likely to…